| Choosing a daycare or nanny for the little ones in your | | | | a sense of if you'll fit well with the daycare center. |
| family is a very important decision to make. There are | | | | There are several questions you should ask to help |
| many things to research and think about when | | | | you narrow down your search: |
| deciding, and it can be especially overwhelming if | | | | Is the center licensed? This means they met the |
| you're new to the Austin community. With more than | | | | standards when inspected for fire, sanitation, proper |
| 50 centers to choose from, be sure to start looking | | | | care giving, and more. |
| early - many have limited openings or even a wait-list. | | | | Is the center accredited by a national organization? |
| Daycares give children the opportunity to learn a | | | | Two of the primary ones are the National Association |
| variety of skills through playing with others and doing a | | | | for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the |
| wide range of activities like singing, storytelling, and art | | | | National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) |
| projects. They'll also get to play and learn with other | | | | What are their fees per child? |
| children on a daily basis. That's why it's important to be | | | | Are they flexible with your work schedule? |
| completely comfortable with the Austin daycare you | | | | What activities will children take part in during the |
| choose - and ensure they'll provide your child with a | | | | day? |
| great experience. Here are a few things you should | | | | What size of a group will your child be placed in? |
| consider: | | | | The smaller the group size, the more one-on-one |
| Location - First and foremost, decide how far you | | | | attention they'll get. |
| want to travel from your home to drop off your child. | | | | Are the care providers experienced? How many |
| Are you looking for something close to home or work, | | | | children are paired with each teacher? |
| or are you comfortable with a longer commute? Just | | | | These and many more are questions to give you a |
| be sure you're not making your decision based entirely | | | | good "look" into what the daycare center can offer. |
| on what's closest - it's likely there are plenty of quality | | | | Plan a visit - Once you've narrowed down your list, set |
| daycare centers within the area you're looking to | | | | up a visit to your top choices for you and your child. A |
| travel. | | | | personal visit will give you the opportunity to meet |
| Ask for references - You're looking for someone you | | | | one-on-one with the staff and check out the features |
| can trust to take care of your child on a daily basis, so | | | | the center can offer your child. While visiting, you'll also |
| it's important to find someone you're 100% comfortable | | | | have the chance to ask more in-depth questions about |
| with. Ask your friends and family if they have | | | | the center and its policies. |
| recommendations for a good daycare center in the | | | | Consider each of these as you're searching for an |
| city, and start with those. The Savvy Source is also a | | | | Austin, Texas, childcare provider. It will save you much |
| great website - you can see honest reviews given by | | | | time and energy in the long run and will help ensure |
| parents and a five-star rating based on things like | | | | you and your family feel completely comfortable with |
| safety, teacher quality, and facilities. | | | | your choice. |
| Interview - Many times an initial phone call will give you | | | | |